DM or Alternative

[The Kraken]

I'm not so sure about that, it's not really a certification but a membership. If your membership lapses, then technically you are not a DM any more.

Well, it's not quite like being a licensed pilot wherein the hobby is regulated by a federal agency.

Let us just sat that if one was graduated from a university with medical doctor's degree, then that person IS a doctor. Now, whether or not he pays AMA dues or takes an exam in order to PRACTICE in a particular state is another matter.


If a person successfully completes the D/M course and pays the certification fee, then PADI CERTIFIES that person as a divemaster. The certification is conferred upon the applicant.

That certification card does not expire. However, to ACT IN A PROFESSIONAL CAPACITY IN A PADI COURSE, the divemaster must have current status as a PADI member and must carry the appropriate liability insurance.

What it gets down to, in the PADI world, is "practical" and "practicing", and all that goes back to $$$$$$$.

the K

 

[M_Bipartitus]

If you have money to burn and just want to take the class for knowledge, take the DM class and don't finish it. Skip a written test or something. You still get the knowledge and experience, but no official status as a professional and no additional liability. At some point you come to realize that the card is only of limited use. The knowledge from the course . is what will improve your diving, ability to handle a situation underwater or the like. I would add, as others have above, that most DM courses I've heard about didn't spend too much time developing diving skills

 

[dpaustex]

If you've done your specialties, the DM is more training. With SSI (DiveCon), it's about 4 more months of training. Can't speak to PADI, et al, but the SSI stuff was very good.

You'll be surprised what you "don't know" if you take the DM/DC course. You'll learn a whole lot of stuff, that will make you a better diver.

With SSI, to get a DiveCon certification, you have to have insurance, as well as having passed the tests. You can go "inactive", but the certification will reflect that (just can't work as a paid professional), and there is an inactive status. The main thing if for you to keep up your skills, as well as stay up on current Technical Standards (for SSI).

Like other posts, I'd say, dive, dive, dive. Dive with different people, too.

Whatever you do, don't do anything to burn yourself out on an incredible, fun, sport!!!

 

[TMHeimer]

I did PADI Master Scuba Diver (I know, not Naui!). You could consider buying the Encyclopedia of Recreational Diving. Although some of the info. is just interesting and a lot is a review of basic stuff and info. from other PADI courses, there is a lot of advanced dive theory knowledge that is helpful. I signed up for DM for the Fall- wow- a whole pile of knowledge & work. The part I fear most is the swim requirements since I'm 55. I would have no trouble on the teaching end, as a retired teacher. If I can cut it, imagine the tons of money to be made (yuk yuk).

 

[rjack321]

Thanks again and thats why I like these forums, such a wealth of knowledge.
Ill look into GUE, its just a shame that all the dive shops I look at are all geared to the DM, instructor type packages rather than something else. I have seen the tech diving packages but need to build up more dives and do some of the other courses mentioned here.
At the end of the day I really just prefer diving but could see some of the relevance of the DM course content.
Thanks again

I don't know where you are in Asia, but Gideon Liew, based out of Singapore, is a super (GUE) instructor and all-around great guy. He travels to teach quite a bit.
GUE Instructor résumé | Global Underwater Explorers

In the short term, I think he would improve your personal diving alot more than working with students in a DM program. And in the long term, I think he could help you understand continual skill improvement as it relates to your personal ambitions (whatever they are). I don't really know the other GUE guys out that way.
GUE Instructors | Global Underwater Explorers

 

[AndyNZ]

If you have money to burn and just want to take the class for knowledge, take the DM class and don't finish it. Skip a written test or something. You still get the knowledge and experience, but no official status as a professional and no additional liability.

There simply is no "additional liability" in being a DM when you are out pleasure diving. It's one of those urban myths that is far too common..... try searching for "duty of care" on SB, you'll probably find plenty of threads discussing this issue.

I don't know where you are in Asia, but Gideon Liew, based out of Singapore, is a super (GUE) instructor and all-around great guy. He travels to teach quite a bit.

Gideon certainly has a fantastic reputation in this neck of the woods - he alsogave me some fantastic advice a while ago when we were talking about some courses, much respect to the man.

 

[ayeshacantrell]

I can only speak for myself but when I'm involved in teaching someone their dive master course I feel its very important to ensure the diver has confidence in his or her abilities. If more experience is required in conducting their own fun dives and having confidence in this then proper instruction to attain this level is all part and parcel of the qualification. As some previous poster said, how can you progress to assisting and taking out divers before you are confident of your own abilities. Many dive centres here in Thailand ensure that each candidate has the opportunity to fun dive, extensively, under supervision and guidance in order to develop confidence and gain greater experience whilst progressing their training. Whilst assisting you will learn a huge amount about diving too, you will see many problems students have and by assisitng them you expereince will grow. You will gain an understanding of how to help and through theory sessions and students questions you will have the opportunity to discuss many potential situations and scenarios which will great help your problem solving process underwater.
Even if you never plan to use your certification professionally, the DM course with the right school and instructor will teach you alot.
In terms of tech diving you will learn a great deal and certainly expand your theoretical knowledge as well as you dive skills. However be comfortable at the level you are first before moving on. Technical diving is certianly more intense and the risks are greater. I offer all of our candidates a Discover Technical Dive as part of their DM course which is simply a shallow dive in tec gear. We cover basic skills and explain the equipment philosophy too which everyone finds interesting - even if they have no plans to take the course. Any DSAT tec centre can offer you this too.

The ocean is not going away so taking it at your own pace is best.

 

[M_Bipartitus]

There simply is no "additional liability" in being a DM when you are out pleasure diving. It's one of those urban myths that is far too common..... try searching for "duty of care" on SB, you'll probably find plenty of threads discussing this issue.

This depends on country, state, and locality. Its also a common tactic of some lawyers to file suits with the intention of people settling to avoid actually going to court.